Kevin Love’s challenge, James Harden’s shot and the rising expectations they share

As the Rockets' dynamic duo of Dwight Howard and James Harden enter their second season together, check out some of the must-see matchups from the 2014-15 season.

As the Rockets' dynamic duo of Dwight Howard and James Harden enter their second season together, check out some of the must-see matchups from the 2014-15 season.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Oct. 28 at Lakers

9:30 p.m.

TV: TNT

The Rockets kick off the campaign against former teammate and offseason castoff Jeremy Lin in Los Angeles.

Oct. 28 at Lakers

9:30 p.m.

TV: TNT

The Rockets kick off the campaign against former teammate and offseason castoff Jeremy Lin in Los Angeles.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein / NBAE/Getty Images

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Nov. 1 vs. Celtics

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

In their first game at Toyota Center, the Rockets welcome Rajon Rondo and the rebuilding Celtics to town.

Nov. 1 vs. Celtics

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

In their first game at Toyota Center, the Rockets welcome Rajon Rondo and the rebuilding Celtics to town.

Photo: Greg Nelson / Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

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Nov. 6 vs. Spurs

7 p.m.

TV: TNT

The Rockets, who swept the Spurs last season, get their first shot at the defending champs in a nationally-televised matchup.

Nov. 6 vs. Spurs

7 p.m.

TV: TNT

The Rockets, who swept the Spurs last season, get their first shot at the defending champs in a nationally-televised matchup.

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Nov. 22 vs. Mavericks

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

The Rockets face Chandler Parsons for the first time since they chose not to match Dallas' contract offer.

Nov. 22 vs. Mavericks

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

The Rockets face Chandler Parsons for the first time since they chose not to match Dallas' contract offer.

Photo: Glenn James / NBAE/Getty Images

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Nov. 24 vs. Knicks

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

Offseason target Carmelo Anthony visits Toyota Center for the first time since his summer free agency tour.

Nov. 24 vs. Knicks

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

Offseason target Carmelo Anthony visits Toyota Center for the first time since his summer free agency tour.

Photo: Bill Baptist / NBAE/Getty Images

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Jan. 3 vs. Heat

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

Chris Bosh makes his first visit to Houston since he spurned the Rockets contract offer in the offseason.

Jan. 3 vs. Heat

7 p.m.

TV: CSN

Chris Bosh makes his first visit to Houston since he spurned the Rockets contract offer in the offseason.

Photo: Bill Baptist / NBAE/Getty Images

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Feb. 4 vs. Bulls

7 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Derrick Rose hasn't played at Toyota Center since his 2010-11 MVP campaign.

Feb. 4 vs. Bulls

7 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Derrick Rose hasn't played at Toyota Center since his 2010-11 MVP campaign.

Photo: Ron Hoskins / NBAE/Getty Images

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March 1 vs. Cavaliers

6 p.m.

TV: NBA TV

LeBron James makes his first trip back to Toyota Center as a member of the Cavaliers since the 2009-2010 season.

March 1 vs. Cavaliers

6 p.m.

TV: NBA TV

LeBron James makes his first trip back to Toyota Center as a member of the Cavaliers since the 2009-2010 season.

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler / NBAE/Getty Images

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March 11 at Trail Blazers

9:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

The Rockets make their only trip to Portland, the scene of last season's end via Damian Lillard's buzzer-beater in Game 6.

March 11 at Trail Blazers

9:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

The Rockets make their only trip to Portland, the scene of last season's end via Damian Lillard's buzzer-beater in Game 6.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Love's challenge, James Harden's shot and the rising expectations they share

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By the time the deal was official, the trade of Kevin Love to Cleveland for the past two No. 1 picks was rendered anti-climatic, having dragged on for so long and in place for a full month before it could gain NBA approval. But then things got good on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, offering a reminder of the stakes that remain.

As Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor opined on the Kevin Love years at the Minnesota State Fair of all places – do they serve deep fried sour grapes there? – he brought up a valid point. If the Cavs don’t win the NBA championship in the first season of the LeBron-Love partnership, Love will be blamed.

LeBron James’ return to Cleveland, as graceful as his departure was clumsy, insolates him from such criticism. Kyrie Irving is still cast as the young, growing sidekick. Love was acquired to put the Cavs over the top now. And unlike the challenges James and the Heat took on in their first season together in Miami when roles and responsibilities had to be worked out, the Cavs’ well-balanced mix of Love’s catch-and-shoot game with James’ taste for playmaking should alleviate regular-season growing pains and increase post-season expectations.

In many ways, the league is still assessing Love since he has never been tested and measured in the spotlight of the post-season. He is clearly a fine shooter and scorer and an elite rebounder, but it remains unclear where he falls in the now deep ranks of top power forwards.

It can be fairly argued that Glen Taylor has no place pointing fingers, having made the Timberwolves largely irrelevant, even if they did come away with a haul of young talent that is greater than teams generally ever land when forced to deal a soon-to-be-departing star.

Great players don’t worry about the potential criticism if they fail. They seek the best chance to succeed and Love has that. But if nothing else, Taylor gave a taste of the knee-jerk reaction that will come if Love does not celebrate with James next June.

“I think he’s around a couple guys are awful good,” Taylor said. “Now I’m not saying that Kevin’s not good, but I think where maybe he got away with some stuff, not playing defense on our team, I’m not sure how that’s going to work in Cleveland. So I would guess they’re going to ask him to play more defense. And he’s foul-prone.”

He then went several specific steps further.

“I question Kevin if this is going to be the best deal for him because I think he’s going to be the third player on a team,” Taylor said. “I don’t think he’s going to get a lot of credit if they do really well. I think he’ll get the blame if they don’t do well. He’s going to have to learn to handle that.”

Love took the high road in his response on ESPN on Wednesday. He ignored Taylor’s history as an owner and diplomatically suggested his former boss look forward, instead of back.

“You know, I think emotions are definitely running high right now,” Love said. “For Glen to say that, I think he should be concentrating on the players he just received. I mean he has … the No. 1 picks in the last two drafts. He got a guy who can really play in Thaddeus Young.”

Good advice. In many ways, Taylor’s comments seemed to be saying about as much about himself as he had about his former power forward. But Taylor also offered a reminder of what is expected, now.

“Kevin brought us certain scoring ability and records,” Taylor said, “but the ultimate goal is getting into the playoffs and winning a championship.”

Harden still has room to grow with US team

With the World Cup to begin on Saturday, James Harden has not shot well in his new, starring role, but he has – as he might put it – played a strong, “all-around” game.

Though Harden made just 37.8 percent of his shots and 18.8 percent of his 3s in the four preparation games, the Rockets, of course, have no concerns about his shooting. If anything, as long as he stays healthy, the Rockets are probably happy with his approach. He has been hustling, defending and distributing. The Rockets will need him to do all that while ranking among the league’s top scorers and to do all that far more consistently than he had in his first two seasons as his team’s go-to scorer.

Wednesday, in addition to bringing the final USA Basketball tune-up, was Harden’s 25th birthday, offering a reminder that he is still young enough to take those next steps as a star and leader. In that regard, the next few weeks could be valuable for him and the Rockets. Still, he probably would like to see a few more shots go in.

With all that in mind, Harden’s eventful summer, filled with attention-grabbing comments and high-profile games, brings signs of the expectations waiting for him. More is expected, and he won’t need an owner popping off to remind him.

Photo: Associated Press

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James Harden of the U.S dunks against New Zealand during the Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in various cities in Spain from last Aug. 30 through to Sept. 14. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) less

James Harden of the U.S dunks against New Zealand during the Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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US forward James Harden (L) vies with Ukraine's guard Oleksandr Lypovyy (R) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Ukraine vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 4, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ RAFA RIVASRAFA RIVAS/AFP/Getty Images less

US forward James Harden (L) vies with Ukraine's guard Oleksandr Lypovyy (R) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Ukraine vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 4, 2014. ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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US forward James Harden (R) vies with Ukraine's guard Oleksandr Lypovyy (L) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Ukraine vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 4, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ ANDER GILLENEAANDER GILLENEA/AFP/Getty Images less

US forward James Harden (R) vies with Ukraine's guard Oleksandr Lypovyy (L) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Ukraine vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 4, 2014. ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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A young US fan shows a banner to US forward James Harden during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match USA vs New Zealand at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 2, 2014. AFP PHOTO / RAFA RIVASRAFA RIVAS/AFP/Getty Images less

A young US fan shows a banner to US forward James Harden during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match USA vs New Zealand at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 2, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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United States's James Harden, left, jumps for the ball in front Turkey's Omer Asik, during the Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in various cities in Spain from last Aug. 30 through to Sept. 14. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) less

United States's James Harden, left, jumps for the ball in front Turkey's Omer Asik, during the Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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US forward James Harden (L) vies with New Zealand's forward Thomas Abercrombie (R) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match USA vs New Zealand at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 2, 2014. AFP PHOTO / RAFA RIVASRAFA RIVAS/AFP/Getty Images less

US forward James Harden (L) vies with New Zealand's forward Thomas Abercrombie (R) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match USA vs New Zealand at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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James Harden dribbles against Puerto Rico during their game at Madison Square Garden.

James Harden dribbles against Puerto Rico during their game at Madison Square Garden.

US forward James Harden (L) vies with Dominican Republic's guard Victor Liz (R) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Dominican Republic vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on ... more

US forward James Harden (L) vies with Dominican Republic's guard Victor Liz (R) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Dominican Republic vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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US forward James Harden falls during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Dominican Republic vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 3, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ ANDER GILLENEAANDER GILLENEA/AFP/Getty Images less

US forward James Harden falls during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group C match Dominican Republic vs USA at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao on September 3, 2014. AFP PHOTO/ ANDER GILLENEAANDER ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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United States fans wear fake beards representing US player James Harden, before the Group C Basketball World Cup match between United States and Dominican Republic, in Bilbao northern Spain, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in various cities in Spain from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) less

United States fans wear fake beards representing US player James Harden, before the Group C Basketball World Cup match between United States and Dominican Republic, in Bilbao northern Spain, Wednesday, Sept. ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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James Harden of the US gestures during the Group C Basketball World Cup match against Dominican Republic in Bilbao northern Spain, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in various cities in Spain from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) less

James Harden of the US gestures during the Group C Basketball World Cup match against Dominican Republic in Bilbao northern Spain, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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United States's James Harden, tries to controls the ball in front Turkey's Omer Asik, left, Cenk Akyol, and Sinan Guler, center back, during the Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in various cities in Spain from last Aug. 30 through to Sept. 14. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) less

United States's James Harden, tries to controls the ball in front Turkey's Omer Asik, left, Cenk Akyol, and Sinan Guler, center back, during the Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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James Harden of the U.S, left, tries to control in front New Zealand's Thomas Abercrombie during the Group C Baskerld Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup competition take place in various cities in Spain from last Aug. 30 through to Sept. 14. United States won 98-71. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) less

James Harden of the U.S, left, tries to control in front New Zealand's Thomas Abercrombie during the Group C Baskerld Cup match, in Bilbao northern Spain, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. The 2014 Basketball World Cup ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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United States's James Harden, right, duels for the ball with Turkey's Kerem Gonlum during their Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao, northern Spain, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

United States's James Harden, right, duels for the ball with Turkey's Kerem Gonlum during their Group C Basketball World Cup match, in Bilbao, northern Spain, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

Photo: Associated Press

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James Harden dunks against the Dominican Republic.

James Harden dunks against the Dominican Republic.

Photo: David Dow / NBAE/Getty Images

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James Harden, left, and Francisco at Madison Square Garden.

James Harden, left, and Francisco at Madison Square Garden.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE/Getty Images

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James Harden dunks against the Dominican Republic.

James Harden dunks against the Dominican Republic.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE/Getty Images

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James Harden dunks against the Dominican Republic.

James Harden dunks against the Dominican Republic.

Photo: Al Bello / Getty Images

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Francisco Garcia #9 of the Dominican Republic National Team drives against James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

Francisco Garcia #9 of the Dominican Republic National Team drives against James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE/Getty Images

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James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team shoots against the Dominican Republic National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team shoots against the Dominican Republic National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE/Getty Images

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James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team goes for a dunk against the Dominican Republic National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team goes for a dunk against the Dominican Republic National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE/Getty Images

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James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team defends against Francisco Garcia #9 of the Dominican Republic National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

James Harden #13 of the USA Basketball Men's National Team defends against Francisco Garcia #9 of the Dominican Republic National Team on August 20, 2014 at Madison Square Garden.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBAE/Getty Images

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James Harden saves the ball from going out of bounds against Brazil during an exhibition game at the United Center on August 16, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

James Harden saves the ball from going out of bounds against Brazil during an exhibition game at the United Center on August 16, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

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James Harden loses the ball after being fouled by Alex Garcia of Brazil during an exhibition game at the United Center on August 16, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

James Harden loses the ball after being fouled by Alex Garcia of Brazil during an exhibition game at the United Center on August 16, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

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James Harden drives to the basket past Brazil's Marcelo Huertas, during the second half of an exhibition game between the U.S. and Brazilian national teams Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Chicago.

James Harden drives to the basket past Brazil's Marcelo Huertas, during the second half of an exhibition game between the U.S. and Brazilian national teams Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Chicago.

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

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James Harden drives to the basket past Brazil's Marcelo Huertas, as United States' Kenneth Faried, watches, during the second half of an exhibition game between the U.S. and Brazilian national teams Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Chicago. less

James Harden drives to the basket past Brazil's Marcelo Huertas, as United States' Kenneth Faried, watches, during the second half of an exhibition game between the U.S. and Brazilian national teams Saturday, ... more

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

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James Harden is fouled as he drives between Brazil's Tiago Splitter, left, and Brazil's Alex Garcia (8), during the second half of an exhibition game between the U.S. and Brazilian national teams Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Chicago. less

James Harden is fouled as he drives between Brazil's Tiago Splitter, left, and Brazil's Alex Garcia (8), during the second half of an exhibition game between the U.S. and Brazilian national teams Saturday, ... more

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

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James Harden runs through drills during a practice of the men's U.S. National basketball team on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, in Chicago.

James Harden runs through drills during a practice of the men's U.S. National basketball team on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, in Chicago.

Photo: Andrew Nelles / Associated Press

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James Harden runs through drills during a practice of the men's U.S. National basketball team on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, in Chicago.

James Harden runs through drills during a practice of the men's U.S. National basketball team on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, in Chicago.

Photo: Andrew Nelles / Associated Press

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Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (R) looks on as James Harden reacts after Paul George was injured while defending a layup by Harden during a USA Basketball showcase at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 1, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. less

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (R) looks on as James Harden reacts after Paul George was injured while defending a layup by Harden during a USA Basketball showcase at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 1, 2014 in ... more

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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James Harden dunks the ball during the USA Basketball Showcase game Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, in Las Vegas.

James Harden dunks the ball during the USA Basketball Showcase game Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, in Las Vegas.

Photo: John Locher / Associated Press

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James Harden takes a shot during the USA Basketball Showcase game Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, in Las Vegas.

James Harden takes a shot during the USA Basketball Showcase game Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, in Las Vegas.

Photo: John Locher / Associated Press

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Kevin Durant #52 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team drives against James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. less

Kevin Durant #52 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team drives against James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, ... more

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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James Harden #32 (R) of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team drives against Kevin Durant #52 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. less

James Harden #32 (R) of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team drives against Kevin Durant #52 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, ... more

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team laughs during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team laughs during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team laughs during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team laughs during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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Kevin Durant #52 (L) and James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team set up a drill during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kevin Durant #52 (L) and James Harden #32 of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team set up a drill during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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James Harden drives against Kevin Durant of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

James Harden drives against Kevin Durant of the 2014 USA Basketball Men's National Team during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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James Harden sets up a drill during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

James Harden sets up a drill during a practice session at the Mendenhall Center on July 30, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

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Kevin Love's challenge, James Harden's shot and the rising expectations they share